Hermeneutic Phenomenology: An Approach to Understand Oldest-Old

Oldest –old (90 + years) are the vulnerable segment among aged and this segment lived long years and experienced all sorts of life patters. Reduced mobility, susceptible to illness, disability, multiple health problems, dependency, loneliness, frustration, increased spirituality are commonly seen among these segments.

Hermeneutic Phenomenology is both a philosophy and a methodology which is used to understand and analyse the meaning of everyday life. It focused on human actions, activities and interactions and it explains how these human actions, activities and interactions are interpreted by various people.

The study concentrated on how oldest –old lived and also to know their interpretations of their experiences of daily living. Study also focused on everyday activities of their life and its impact on their health and wellbeing. Study tried to find some adoptive mechanisms initiated and followed by the respondents

Only women were included in the present study because of feminization of ageing. Respondents who have crossed 90 years were taken for the study. By using latest voter list respondents were selected. Through face to face interview, data has been obtained.

Some of the respondents were not happy about their longevity. Majority of the respondents unfolded their old memories and they felt that, olden days were good. Inclination towards spirituality was commonly seen among respondents. Everyday life pattern of the respondents in core issues were more or less same for majority of the respondents. They also revealed their special needs which can be taken for policy recommendations. Study revealed their past life pattern and they face lot of challenges in everyday life they find it difficult to face present fast changing life.